The Hello Kitty character is a very famous image and was first introduced in 1974 in Japan by Ikuku Shimizu. Two years later, a vinyl coin purse with the character on it was introduced in the United States. Since then, all products relating to the image have become very popular. The Hello Kitty brand now produces children's dolls, stickers, greeting cards, clothes, accessories, dishes, home appliances and dishes.
The Hello Kitty character has also appeared in several children's animated television shows and video games, all of which have gained a following of loyal fans. A Hello Kitty restaurant can even be found in Taiwan. In 2004, UNICEF awarded the Hello Kitty brand the title of UNICEF Special Friend of Children for its humanitarian efforts.
More information on Hello Kitty is available at www.Sanrio.com.
